Coppard Reserve, Leithfield Village
Project Overview
In February 2021 the Community Activator was approached by the Leithfield School Principal to discuss some community concerns in Leithfield Village. Coppard Reserve was highlighted because of the death of a local youth there.
After a staff site visit to Coppard Reserve a meeting held with local Jo Hassall, chairperson Leithfield Community Centre Inc (LCCI), to discuss the concerns raised by Leithfield School and what could occur at a community level. This was also held at Coppard Reserve.
At the next LCCI monthly meeting beautification ideas for Coppard Reserve were taken to the meeting, with a majority of support, these ideas were then submitted as part of the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan process.
Consultation in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 (the Act) requirements was undertaken to gauge public interest, thoughts and/or support for the Long Term Plan submission. The consultation was advertised in the North Canterbury News on Thursday 21 October. It was open for two months as per the requirement in the Act, closing at 5pm on Tuesday 21 December.
At the completion of the consultation period, 37 submissions were received either via post, email, or online submission.
A report was submitted to the 9 February meeting of the South Ward Committee asking them to review and consider all the submissions received on the Draft Coppard Reserve Management Plan.
Updates to the Reserve Management Plan included:
- that the macrocarpa hedge at the western entrance be removed
- that a basketball hoop with half court be installed
- that two or three adult cross trainer stations be installed
| Location: | Main North Road, Leithfield |
| Start date: | March 2022 |
| Completion date: | December 2022 |
| Social Media Posts | |
| Hurunui District Council News Article | |
| Coppard Reserve Case Story | |
Project Update - December 2022
The community celebrated on Friday 16 December the upgraded reserve. It was a chance to stop, thank everyone and acknowledge the huge changes that have occurred during the past 6-8 months.
Project Update - 24 November 2022
The updates are almost finished. There is still planting to complete where the marcrocarpa hedge was and also along the south side.
A community event is planned early December 2022 to celebrate the accomplishments to date.
There has been an increased number of people (all ages) enjoying the reserve including Leithfield School who took some students for play recently. Feedback about the changes from community members has been extremely positive.
Project Update - 17 October 2022
Thanks to an amazing amount of community spirit, assistance, working bees, muscle and donations the following has been completed:
- removal of macrocarpa hedge
- installation of three adult outdoor fitness equipment on a new concrete pad
- installation of half court basketball court with hoop
- earthworks to replace hedge and preparation for plantings
- installation of historical story boards outlining Leithfield community history
- gardening under trees and mulch laid
- additional picnic table installed
The following time lapsed video was produced by: Westaway Videography
